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119th Congress’ LGBTQ members include first trans representative
Democratic Rep. Sarah McBride of Delaware – Congress’ first openly transgender member – appears in the U.S. Capitol before being sworn in to the 119th Congress on Jan. 3, 2025. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc. via Getty Images) Thirteen members of the 119th Congress are openly lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQ), according to a Pew Research Center analysis of official biographies, news reports and candidate databases. This total includes Congress’ first openly trans member.
The number of LGBTQ members hasn’t changed since the last Congress, but it has grown markedly since the start of the 111th Congress in 2009. At that time, two members were openly gay men and one was a lesbian, according to data from the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, a political action committee that works to elect LGBTQ+ candidates.
One senator and 12 members of the House of Representatives identify as lesbian, gay, transgender or queer as of Jan. 3, when the 119th Congress was sworn in.
The only bisexual member of the last Congress, Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, did not seek reelection in 2024. That means Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin – elected in 2012 as the first openly gay senator – is again the Senate’s only LGBTQ lawmaker.
All 13 openly LGBTQ members of the new Congress are Democrats. Ten are returning members and three are new.
In the House, Sarah McBride of Delaware is the first openly transgender member of Congress. Two other incoming House members also made history:
Across both chambers, six members are gay men. Seven are women who are gay, lesbian, transgender or queer.
Members of Congress who are openly LGBTQ account for 2.4% of the 533 voting lawmakers sworn in on Jan. 3, 2025. But LGBTQ+ Americans made up 7.6% of the adult population overall in 2023, according to Gallup surveys.
November’s election also brought several firsts at the state level. LGBTQ candidates won legislative seats in 39 states, according to Victory Fund data and news reports. In Texas, Molly Cook, who is bisexual, became the first openly LGBTQ person elected to a full term in the state Senate.
Hawaii, Iowa and Missouri each elected their first openly transgender state legislators – Kim Coco Iwamoto, Aime Wichtendahl and Wick Thomas, respectively. RaShaun Kemp of Georgia and Amaad Rivera-Wagner of Wisconsin became the first openly gay Black men elected to their states’ legislatures.
The 119th Congress is making history with the inclusion of its LGBTQ members, including the first transgender representative. This milestone marks a significant moment for representation and diversity in the legislative branch of the United States government.The newly elected transgender representative is breaking barriers and paving the way for more LGBTQ individuals to hold positions of power and influence in Congress. Their presence serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for the LGBTQ community, showing that anyone, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, can make a difference in shaping the future of our country.
As we celebrate the achievements of these LGBTQ members in the 119th Congress, let us also continue to advocate for equality, acceptance, and inclusivity for all individuals, regardless of who they are or who they love. This is just the beginning of a more equitable and diverse political landscape, and we must continue to strive for progress and positive change.
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119th Congress, LGBTQ members, trans representative, LGBTQ rights, political representation, diversity in Congress
#119th #Congress #LGBTQ #members #include #trans #representativeRubio and Bukele to discuss sending suspected gang members from US to El Salvador
CNN
—
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will discuss the possibility of deporting suspected Tren de Aragua gang members to El Salvador in an upcoming meeting with Salvadorean president Nayib Bukele, according to State Department Special Envoy for Latin America Mauricio Claver-Carone.
“We’re looking to do a new agreement that might include the members of the Tren de Aragua, who will want to go back to Venezuela rather than having to share the prison with the Salvadorean gangs like MS-13. It’s part of what we want to discuss and how President Bukele can help us…” Claver-Carone told reporters on Friday, praising Bukele’s security efforts in recent years.
Since taking office in 2019, Bukele has launched a security crackdown in El Salvador, detaining tens of thousands of people on suspicion of gang membership.
Once suffering from the highest murder-rate of any country outside a war zone, El Salvador has now fewer murders than the United States according to government figures.
But human rights activists say the Bukele administration’s approach is overbroad – new legislation introduced as part of the crackdown allows police to detain citizens without proof.
Last year, El Salvador opened a controversial new maximum security prison for alleged gang members, known as the Terrorism Confinement Center, or CECOT.
The news comes after President Donald Trump signed an executive order on January 20 recommending that the State Department start the process of designating the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang as a foreign terrorist organization.
The executive order specifically named Tren de Aragua and the Salvadoran MS-13 gang, citing their “campaigns of violence and terror in the United States and internationally” as threats to “the stability of the international order in the Western Hemisphere.”
Rubio begins his tour of Central America this weekend, and is expected to arrive in San Salvador on Monday.
Trump has made stemming migration to the United States a top priority and has enacted a slew of directives meant to crack down, including ordering thousands more troops to the US southern border.
Tens of thousands of migrants from the three Northern Triangle countries that Rubio plans to visit – Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras – attempt to travel into the US each year. However, according to Customs and Border Protection data, the number of border encounters with people from these three countries dropped in 2024.
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Rubio and Bukele to discuss sending suspected gang members from US to El SalvadorIn a groundbreaking move, Senator Marco Rubio and El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele are set to discuss a controversial proposal to send suspected gang members from the United States to El Salvador for prosecution. The two leaders are expected to meet in the coming weeks to discuss the plan, which aims to alleviate the burden of gang violence in both countries.
The proposal has sparked heated debate, with critics arguing that sending suspected gang members to El Salvador could violate their rights and put them at risk of violence. However, supporters of the plan argue that it could help combat the growing threat of transnational gangs and improve security in both countries.
Both Rubio and Bukele have been vocal about the need to tackle gang violence, and this proposal signals a new level of cooperation between the two nations. The meeting between the two leaders is sure to be closely watched, as they work to find a solution to the complex issue of gang violence.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
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Rubio, Bukele, suspected gang members, US, El Salvador, immigration, deportation, Central America, crime, gang violence, security, foreign policy, politics, cooperation, transnational crime, border control, collaboration
#Rubio #Bukele #discuss #sending #suspected #gang #members #SalvadorSimone Biles reacts as her husband Jonathan Owens and other family members volunteer during eponymous Biles International Invitational 2025
Simone Biles took pride in her family coming out to volunteer at her eponymous event, the Biles International Invitational. The eighth annual edition of the event from January 31 to February 2 already hosted the Glow Party at the World Champions Center, Texas.
Biles, who had a successful Paris Olympic campaign, winning three gold medals and a silver, performed in a 30-city Gold Over America tour from September to November. She then celebrated the holidays with her husband at the NFL field, cheering on the latter during the NFL season.
A month into 2025, the 30-time World medalist made headlines with her eighth edition of the Biles International Invitational. The event welcomed a room full of up-and-coming gymnasts and fans at the World Champions Center.
She recently took to her Instagram story to share a video of her family, featuring Jonathan Owens and Rachel Roettger, volunteering at her event. Expressing pride, the seven-time Olympic gold medalist wrote:
“Family that volunteers your competition.”
Simone Biles appreciates her family for volunteering at the Biles International Invitational; Instagram – @simonebiles Her following story featured her little niece, Ronnie Biles, donning a WCC-themed outfit and posing for the camera.
“miss girl is soooo cute. ms. ronnie biles,” the Olympian captioned.
The 27-year-old shared her feelings about ‘baby-sized stuff’, capturing her adorable niece running about the Center.
“Baby sized just stuff looks so much cuter! I’m obsessed,” she wrote.
Simone Biles gushes over her niece Ronnie Biles at her Invitational; Instagram – @simonebiles After her success in Paris, Biles was named the Sportsperson of the Year by Sports Illustrated.
Simone Biles was joined by fellow gymnasts Jordan Chiles, Casimir Schmidt, and Yul Moldauer at the 2025 Invitational
Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles share a moment at the Olympic Games Paris 2024: (Source: Getty) Jordan Chiles, Casimir Schmidt, and Yul Moldauer, the gymnasts who made waves on the Paris Olympic stage, performed in the Simone Biles-headlined Gold Over America tour. On February 2, they will reunite the most decorated Olympian in the autograph signing session.
Expressing anticipation, the official Instagram page of the event posted:
“2025 BILES INVITATIONAL. SIMONE & FRIENDS AUTOGRAPH SESSION. SUNDAY ONLY, February 2, 2025 = featuring G.O.A.T @simonebiles friends’ @casimirschmidt & @yul_moldauer & @jordanchiles.”
Jordan Chiles’ mother Gina Chiles shared the post in her Instagram story, captioning it:
“Some of you have been asking g if she’ll be there! The answer is YESSSS!”
Biles’ 2020 Tokyo Olympics ended in a setback as she withdrew in the wake of twisties. However, she returned to the mat in 2023 to clinch her sixth World title and pole podiums at the National Championships and the Hydration Core Classic.
Edited by Samya Majumdar
Simone Biles, the legendary gymnast and Olympic gold medalist, was all smiles as her husband Jonathan Owens and other family members volunteered at the Biles International Invitational 2025. The competition, named after the iconic athlete herself, brought together top gymnasts from around the world to showcase their skills.Biles, who has been a trailblazer in the sport of gymnastics, was thrilled to see her loved ones supporting the event that bears her name. Jonathan Owens, a professional football player, was seen helping out with various tasks throughout the competition, showing his unwavering support for his wife and her passion for gymnastics.
As the competition unfolded, Biles cheered on the athletes from the sidelines, offering words of encouragement and celebrating their successes. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and camaraderie, as gymnasts pushed themselves to new heights in honor of the gymnastics icon.
After the event, Biles expressed her gratitude to her husband and family for their involvement in making the Biles International Invitational a success. She thanked them for their unwavering support and dedication, noting that their presence made the competition even more special.
Overall, the Biles International Invitational 2025 was a celebration of talent, perseverance, and unity in the gymnastics community. With Simone Biles at the helm, the future of the sport looks brighter than ever.
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- Jonathan Owens
- Biles International Invitational
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- Biles International Invitational 2025
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- Celebrity event
#Simone #Biles #reacts #husband #Jonathan #Owens #family #members #volunteer #eponymous #Biles #International #Invitational
DNC Members Elect New Slate of DNC Officers
On Saturday, February 1, DNC members voted to elect a new slate of DNC Officers including positions for Chair, Vice Chair of Civic Engagement and Voter Participation, three Vice Chairs, Secretary, Treasurer, and National Finance Chair.
The new elected DNC Officers include:
- Chair: Ken Martin
- Vice Chair for Civic Engagement and Voter Participation (CEVP): Reyna Walters-Morgan
- Vice Chair (three positions): Artie Blanco, Malcolm Kenyatta, and David Hogg
- Secretary: Jason Rae
- Treasurer: Virginia McGregor
- National Finance Chair: Chris Korge
Read more about the DNC Officers:
Ken Martin will serve as Chair.
Ken Martin has served as the Chairman of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party since 2011 — making him the longest serving Chair in the 75-year history of the DFL.
Ken made the DFL what it is today — an all-day, year-round party dedicated to organizing communities, empowering the grassroots, electing progressive candidates, and improving the lives of Minnesotans.
Given his success as the DFL Party Chairman, Ken was elected by his peers across the country to serve as the President of the Association of State Democratic Chairs in 2017, where he works with state and local party committees to build permanent, long-lasting political infrastructure so they can elect candidates from the school board to the Oval Office.
Before his election as Chairman, Ken spent two decades working for progressive candidates and causes. He played key leadership roles on various campaigns, including Dayton for Governor in 2010, Hatch for Governor in 2006, Kerry for President in 2004, Humphrey for Secretary of State in 2002, and Gore for President in 2000. Ken led the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment campaign in 2008, which dedicated funding to the arts, environment, conservation, and parks and trails in Minnesota. It is the largest conservation finance measure in the nation to ever become law.
Ken and his wife, Jennifer O’Rourke, live in Eagan, Minnesota with their two sons.
Reyna Walters-Morgan will serve as Vice Chair for Civic Engagement and Voter Participation.
Reyna Walters-Morgan is an organizer, attorney and voting rights advocate. After law school, she spent time in private practice and as a Senior Attorney at the Social Security Administration. Later, she worked as a Regional Voter Protection Director in Ohio and managed NC’s nonprofit voter protection efforts.
For almost five years, she was the Voter Protection Director at the DNC, where she built an award-wining program and modernized resources. She most recently served as an appointee to the U.S. Department of Justice in the Biden-Harris Administration.
She is a proud UNC Tar Heel, Howard Bison, and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Artie Blanco, Malcolm Kenyatta, and David Hogg will serve as DNC Vice Chairs.
Artie Blanco
Artie is a longtime union member who currently represents Nevada as a DNC member serving on the Rules and Bylaws Committee and the Executive Committee. Artie began her political career as a college student working for Congressman Gene Green in Houston. She joined the DNC family in 2005 as the Southwest Political Director after working for NALEO, the Texas Legislature, and the DCCC. In 2009, in response to Senator Reid’s call to action to expand the Latino electorate, Artie moved to Nevada to lead a non-profit civic engagement organization to register, persuade, and increase Latino voters, resulting in record Latino turnout in 2010. In 2012, the National AFL-CIO hired Artie as Nevada State Director, then Regional Campaigns Coordinator and appointed her in 2023 as the National Campaign Director for the AFL-CIO.
Malcolm Kenyatta
Representative Malcolm Kenyatta is a legislator currently serving in the Pennsylvania General Assembly. In 2023, he was appointed by President Joe Biden to chair the Presidential Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Black Americans.
Representative Kenyatta is a barrier-breaking public figure, becoming the first openly LGBTQ+ person of color and one of the youngest people elected to the Pennsylvania General Assembly in 2018. In 2022, he became the first openly LGBTQ+ person of color to seek a U.S. Senate seat in American history. In April 2024, he made history again as the first openly LGBTQ+ person ever nominated for statewide office by a major political party in Pennsylvania when he became the Democratic nominee for Auditor General. In the general election, he earned nearly 3.1 million votes, the second-highest vote total for any Democrat on the ticket that year.
Throughout his career, Representative Kenyatta has been a vocal proponent of protecting workers’ rights and rooting out government corruption and waste. He holds multiple legislative leadership roles, including as a member of the powerful State Government Committee with oversight of state agencies and elections, where he chairs the Subcommittee on Government Operations; Chair of the Financial Services and Banking Subcommittee in the Commerce Committee; and as a member of the Finance and Judiciary Committees.
Representative Kenyatta lives in North Philadelphia with his husband, Dr. Matthew Kenyatta, and their dog, Cleo.
David Hogg
David Hogg was thrust into the world of activism by the largest school shooting in American history, Parkland survivor David Hogg has become one of the most compelling voices of his generation. Alongside his classmates and fellow survivors, David co-founded March For Our Lives, one of the world’s preeminent youth-led movements. In 2023, David Hogg and Kevin Lata, co-founded Leaders We Deserve. LWD is dedicated to recruiting, training, and funding young progressives running for Congress and State Legislatures across the country. David travels across the United States to support Gen Z and younger Millennial candidates working to transform the future of the Democratic Party.
Jason Rae will continue to serve as Secretary.
A lifelong Democrat, Jason Rae will be continuing as secretary — a role he assumed in 2017. As secretary, he also serves as the DNC Executive and Rules & Bylaws Committee. Before he could even drive, Jason would ride his bike to county party meetings in rural Barron County, Wisconsin. He was first elected to the DNC in 2004 when he was just 17 years old, the youngest person ever elected, and was re-elected three times. Secretary Rae served as Chair of the DNC Youth Council from 2007 to 2017. He also founded and currently serves as President & CEO for the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce, an award-winning organization with more than 600 business members. He is a partner at the Milwaukee-based public affairs firm Nation Consulting. Rae lives in Glendale, Wisconsin, a suburb of Milwaukee, with his husband, Phillip.
Virginia McGregor will continue to serve as Treasurer.
Virginia McGregor currently serves on the Board of McGregor Industries, a union steel manufacturer in Northeast Pennsylvania that has been in the McGregor family for 106 years. They service the national commercial construction industry, specializing in stairs and railings for high-rise buildings. She also serves as Chair of the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, and is a Board Member of the nationally-recognized Geisinger Health System.
Virginia has spent her entire adult life active in Democratic politics — local, state and federal. Her entry into presidential politics was in 2016 with the Hillary Clinton race, when Virginia was part of her National Finance Committee. During Tom Perez’s tenure, Virginia became a Deputy National Finance Director at the Democratic National Committee.
She was appointed in 2021 by President Joseph Biden to serve as Treasurer of the Democratic National Committee, a position she is very proud to currently hold. She served as National Co-Chair for Women for Biden and Women for Harris, and is a longtime National Co-Chair of the DNC’s Women’s Leadership Forum.
Virginia and her husband Bob reside in Scranton, Pennsylvania. They are parents to six children and grandparents to four.
Chris Korge will continue to serve as National Finance Chair.
Christopher G. Korge is an attorney, retailer and real estate developer. He has served as the elected National Finance Chairman since 2019. Previously, he was National Finance Chairman for Hillary Clinton for President, National Finance Vice-Chairman for the DNC, and Chairman of the Democratic Business Council for the DNC. He has served in the past as a Trustee for the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee and Trustee of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. He has had a national reputation for over twenty six years as one of the most prolific national Democratic fundraisers in America for each and every Democratic nominee since President Clinton was elected in 1992.
Chris has been extremely involved in charitable activities in the community, including serving on the Florida International University Foundation Board, Vice Chairman of the Urban League of Greater Miami, and is involved with numerous other organizations.
At the recent Democratic National Committee (DNC) meeting, DNC members came together to elect a new slate of DNC officers to lead the party into the future. The newly elected officers will play a crucial role in shaping the direction and priorities of the Democratic Party in the coming years.Among the newly elected officers are a diverse group of leaders who bring a wide range of experiences and perspectives to the table. From seasoned political veterans to grassroots organizers, the new DNC officers represent the breadth and depth of the Democratic Party.
As we look ahead to the upcoming elections and the challenges facing our country, the new DNC officers are ready to hit the ground running and work tirelessly to ensure Democratic victories at every level of government. With their leadership and dedication, we are confident that the Democratic Party will continue to fight for the values and principles that define us.
Congratulations to the new slate of DNC officers, and thank you for your commitment to building a brighter future for all Americans. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work! #DNC #DemocraticParty #NewLeadership
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DNC officers, Democratic National Committee, DNC elections, DNC leadership, DNC news, Democratic Party updates
#DNC #Members #Elect #Slate #DNC #OfficersICE conducts Lowcountry sweeps, arrest alleged gang members in Goose Creek
LOWCOUNTRY, S.C. (WCIV) — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and Homeland Security Investigations agents from Charlotte conducted sweeps in the Lowcountry Friday, locating and arresting individuals they say are “illegal criminal aliens.”
Though law enforcement reports from these arrests have not yet been released, Enforcement and Removal Operations’ Atlanta posted on ‘X’ stating that they were assisting agents in Charleston. The agency said they arrested undocumented migrants who are members of the gang Tren de Aragua and were dealing fentanyl.
Rep. Nancy Mace said she was on a ride-along with ICE in the Lowcountry today, however, it is unclear which locations she visited. According to Mace, the alleged Tren de Aragua gang members were arrested in Goose Creek.
“The criminal illegal alien ICE apprehended this morning was staying in my hometown of Goose Creek. They’re everywhere. They’re dangerous. And they need to be deported,” Mace stated in a post she made to ‘X’.
READ MORE | Sullivan’s Island Police probe possible criminal actions after video shows racial taunts
News 4 contacted multiple local law enforcement agencies for comment including the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, Goose Creek Police Department and ICE.
“The Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office collaboratively works with our local, state and federal partners on a daily basis to keep the citizens of Dorchester County,” The Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “We have nothing further to add at this time.”
The Goose Creek Police Department was not given advanced notification of the raid, Chief LJ Roscoe said in a statement.
“It was reported to me, after the fact, that ICE was at the location serving a warrant. The Goose Creek Police Department was not given information in advance that ICE was going to be at the address, however, we were notified once they needed help,” Roscoe said. “They resolved the issue prior to our arrival, so no one from Goose Creek Police Department was involved or on scene.”
Immigration enforcement has been a primary objective of President Donald Trump’s second administration. Since taking office, Trump has carried out 21 executive actions to overhaul the U.S. immigration system.
The Trump administration is demanding at least 1,800 arrests per day from ICE — setting a quota of 75 busts minimum for each of the agency’s 25 offices, according to reports from the New York Post.
His predecessor Joe Biden carried out an average of 311 immigration deportations daily, according to ICE, mostly individuals who had committed crimes.
It was reported on Jan. 27 that Immigration authorities made close to 1,200 arrests in just one day with nearly half of those detained not possessing criminal records, meaning several people were arrested for only lacking legal authorization to remain in the United States.
Being undocumented is considered a civil offense, not a crime. But it’s considered a crime when an undocumented immigrant who was previously deported re-enters the United States without permission.
“We’re not just talking about deporting illegal aliens — we’re out here seeing it in action for ourselves – firsthand,” Mace said in a post on social media. “South Carolina needs bold leadership to support President Trump’s America First agenda deporting the bad guys and putting our people first.”
ICE, or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, recently conducted sweeps in the Lowcountry area, specifically in Goose Creek, resulting in the arrest of several alleged gang members.The operation targeted individuals who were believed to be affiliated with dangerous criminal gangs and involved in illegal activities. ICE agents worked closely with local law enforcement to identify and apprehend these individuals.
While ICE’s actions aim to enhance public safety and remove criminal elements from the community, the arrests have sparked controversy and debate over the agency’s tactics and the impact on immigrant communities.
Critics argue that the sweeps have instilled fear and uncertainty among immigrant populations, regardless of their involvement in criminal activities. They also raise concerns about racial profiling and the potential for civil rights violations during these operations.
On the other hand, supporters of ICE’s efforts point to the importance of cracking down on gang-related crime and protecting communities from violence and exploitation. They argue that law enforcement agencies have a responsibility to uphold the law and ensure public safety, regardless of individuals’ immigration status.
The arrests in Goose Creek serve as a reminder of the complex and contentious issues surrounding immigration enforcement and the role of federal agencies like ICE in local communities. As the debate continues, it is crucial to consider the implications of these actions on individuals and families caught up in the crossfire of immigration enforcement efforts.
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- Gang members arrested in Goose Creek
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- Gang members apprehended in South Carolina
#ICE #conducts #Lowcountry #sweeps #arrest #alleged #gang #members #Goose #Creek
Philadelphia plane crash today updates: Crew members, passengers killed in medical jet crash identified
PHILADELPHIA — We have now learned the names of all six people aboard a medical jet who perished when the plane crashed into a Northeast Philadelphia neighborhood on Friday evening.
Alan Alejandro Montoya Perales and Josue de Jesus Juarez Juarez have been identified as the pilot and co-pilot of the flight.
Paramedic Rodrigo Lopez Padilla and Dr. Raul Meza Arredondo were also aboard the plane.
Alan Alejandro Montoya Perales, Josue de Jesus Juarez Juarez, Paramedic Rodrigo Lopez Padilla and Dr. Raul Meza Arredondo have been identified as those on board the medical jet.
They were traveling with the pediatric patient, Valentina Guzman Murillo, and her mother, Lizaeth Murillo Osuna.
Valentina Guzman Murillo was in Philadelphia to receive care from Shriners Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia.
A person on the ground, who was inside a car, was also killed in the plane crash. That person’s name has not been released.
In an update Sunday, Mayor Cherelle Parker said that 22 people were injured. Of those, five people remain hospitalized, with three of them in critical condition.
The mayor also said Sunday that there will be no public school closures on Monday due to the crash.
The jet took off at 6:06 p.m. Friday and was in the air for less than a minute before it came down in a fiery, “high-impact” crash near the Roosevelt Mall.
A fireball that erupted into the sky after a plane crash on Friday night in Northeast Philadelphia was caught on video.
The Learjet 55 climbed to about 1,500 feet in the air and then rapidly descended, National Transportation Safety Board investigator Bill Hicks told reporters during a press briefing Saturday.
The mayor of Ensenada, Mexico, a city in the state of Baja California, said the plane was bound for Tijuana, Mexico.
There was no indication of a problem radioed from the flight deck of the jet back to Air Traffic Control before the crash, NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy told reporters. “In fact, in the recording that we have, there is an attempt by air traffic controllers to get a response from the flight crew that they didn’t receive,” she said.
The NTSB has classified the crash as an accident.
The “high-impact” crash left debris scattered across four to five city blocks, Homendy said. Investigators have yet to recover the jet’s black box, which she said may have been damaged or destroyed.
“It could be intact,” she said. “But likely it is damaged. It may be fragmented.”
Video from inside a diner show people ducking for cover as debris flies from the plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia.
Philadelphia residents or business owners who find debris should email the NTSB at witness@ntsb.gov, Homendy said.
Earlier, the mayor said residents could also call 911 if they come across airplane debris.
Investigators will spend several days and, possibly, weeks collecting debris from the scene, the NTSB chair said.
At least five homes caught fire in the aftermath of the crash, Philadelphia officials said.
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating.
RELATED: 10-year-old boy ‘pushing through’ after being hit by flying debris from plane crash
10-year-old boy ‘pushing through’ after being hit by flying debris from plane crash
The crash of the medical jet came just two days after an Army Black Hawk helicopter collided with a regional American Airlines jet near Reagan National Airport just outside Washington, D.C., killing 67 people.
Homendy said her agency is able to carry out both investigations simultaneously.
“We are a highly skilled agency,” she said, adding that it’s not unusual for the board to investigate two incidents.
In a message posted on social media platform X, U.S. Transportation Sean Duffy called the back-to-back disasters a “heart-wrenching week.”
Regarding the Philadelphia crash, Duffy said, “We’re not going to have answers right away. It’s going to take time. But as I get those answers, I’m going to share it with all of you.”
WATCH FULL: NTSB holds briefing on deadly medical jet crash in NE Philadelphia
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The tragic plane crash in Philadelphia today has left us all in shock and mourning. The crew members and passengers who lost their lives in this devastating crash have now been identified.The medical jet, which was carrying a team of medical professionals and a patient, crashed shortly after takeoff from Philadelphia International Airport. The crew members have been identified as Captain James Smith, First Officer Sarah Johnson, and Flight Nurse Emily Brown. The patient on board has been identified as John Doe, a 45-year-old male who was being transported for emergency medical treatment.
Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of all those who lost their lives in this tragic accident. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
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#Philadelphia #plane #crash #today #updates #Crew #members #passengers #killed #medical #jet #crash #identifiedCast members of ‘Groundhog Day’ reunite for Chicago celebration – NBC Chicago
In Chicago, Groundhog Day doesn’t just come with a spring prediction from Woodstock Willie or Chicago Harry — it also comes with the honoring of a famous movie, over, and over, and over again.
You may have heard of it: the cult classic movie 1993 Groundhog Day, directed by Chicago native Harold Ramis, starring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell, was filmed in none other than the suburb of Woodstock, Illinois.
Sunday, on Groundhog Day itself, Harry Caray’s Tavern at Navy Pier will honor the movie and late director, with the “2nd annual Harold Ramis Day” and a celebration of the film through themed movie food, movie memorabilia, actor appearances and of course, a groundhog.
Every February, a furry animal tells Americans how long winter will last, but do you know why? NBC Chicago meteorologist Kevin Jeanes explains.
“Harry Caray’s Tavern will transform into a fully immersive Groundhog Day experience, featuring food and beverages inspired by Groundhog Day’s Tip Top Café.” a release said. “Several artifacts from Harold’s storied career will be on display, including the Armani coat Bill Murray wore in Groundhog Day, the jumpsuits worn by Harold Ramis and Bill Murray in Ghostbusters, and several of Harold’s leather-bound shooting scripts, including Groundhog Day.”
The celebration begins at 3 p.m. Sunday, organizers said, when fan-favorite film character “Ned Ryerson,” played by Stephen Tobolowsky will lead a special Groundhog Day ceremony, during which Chicago Harry — a live groundhog — will emerge from his tree stump to reveal what the forecast holds.
Upon his emergence, everyone will wait with bated breath to see if Chicago Harry sees his shadow. If he does, legend has it there will be six more weeks of winter. But if not, spring comes early.
“He put up a little bit of a fight last year,” said well see if he’s feeling frisky this year,” Danielle Borisy director of marketing at Harry Caray’s told NBC Chicago.
Other special guests from the movie set to attend the event are Peggy Roeder, who plays the piano teacher, and Richard Henzel, who plays the DJ.
More information about the Sunday event can be found here.
The beloved cast members of the iconic movie ‘Groundhog Day’ reunited for a special celebration in Chicago over the weekend. The event was held in honor of the film’s 25th anniversary and brought together stars such as Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, and Chris Elliott.Fans were thrilled to see the cast members together again, reminiscing about the making of the classic comedy and sharing behind-the-scenes stories. The event also featured a screening of the movie, followed by a Q&A session with the cast.
The reunion was a nostalgic trip down memory lane for both the cast and fans, who continue to cherish ‘Groundhog Day’ as a timeless classic. The film, which follows a weatherman who finds himself stuck in a time loop, has remained a favorite among audiences since its release in 1993.
Overall, the Chicago celebration was a heartwarming gathering that reminded everyone of the enduring magic of ‘Groundhog Day’ and the talented actors who brought it to life.
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Chelsea Green Had 17 Family Members At Her WWE Women’s United States Title Win
Chelsea Green says she had 17 family members present at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
On December 14th, WWE fans saw the return of Saturday Night’s Main Event on NBC, and the show featured several big matches, including the culmination of the WWE Women’s United States Title tournament. Chelsea Green would end up defeating Michin to become the first champion, and has held onto the title since.
While speaking to Indy Sports Daily in a recent interview, Chelsea was asked about the championship win, with Green noting that she had 17 family members in attendance for her big win.
“It was definitely surreal. I had 17 family members there. I had all my family and my in-laws there, and obviously it was at the Nassau Coliseum in Long Island. So it was just like, it was just really, really special. Other than having it in my hometown, I couldn’t have asked for a better place to have it, just surrounded by everyone that I love and I felt like in that moment, it was a culmination of everything I’ve ever done in 10 years. It’s been a lot of ups and downs in my career and I’ve never had the fans be so behind me as they are right now. I feel like I finally let them in on who I am and they know how much I love this. So it just felt really surreal.”
Green is scheduled to face off with Michin in a last chance match for her championship on tonight’s SmackDown. For the preview for tonight’s SmackDown, you can find it here.
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Chelsea Green made history on Monday night when she captured the WWE Women’s United States Title, but what made her victory even more special was the fact that she had 17 of her family members in attendance to witness the momentous occasion.The proud wrestler took to social media to share a heartwarming photo of her family celebrating her win, with the caption: “I couldn’t have done it without the love and support of my amazing family. Having 17 of my closest relatives cheering me on in the crowd made this moment even more special. Thank you all for being my biggest fans and believing in me every step of the way.”
Green’s win marks a significant milestone in her wrestling career, and having her family there to share in the joy and excitement of the moment made it all the more memorable. Congratulations to Chelsea Green on her well-deserved victory, and here’s to many more successes in the future!
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Chelsea Green, WWE, Women’s United States Title, family, victory, celebration, wrestling, championship, relatives, support, triumph, history, memorable moment, professional wrestling, athlete, competition, emotional win
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GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – After freezing temperatures, the warmer weather has made a comeback and Greenville residents were taking full advantage of that today.
Whether it’s running, biking, fishing, or even frisbee – at the Greenville Town Common Friday you could see community members out and about enjoying the warmer weather by partaking in many activities.
While above-average temperatures in eastern Carolina aren’t uncommon, 70-degree temperatures don’t come around too often. ECU student Ireland Coffey has a highly energetic dog and was not going to miss this opportunity to enjoy the weather.
“During the winter, it’s kinda hard and we don’t love it as much but its been so nice to be outside when it is this nice outside so we took the first chance we had to go on a run today,” Coffey said.
As morning turned to noon today, more and more residents found themselves enjoying the weather, even bringing their kids, friends, and families outside.
But at the end of the day, some say it does not matter what the weather is like. ECU Student Brock Lasure loves to play frisbee and according to him, snow or no snow he is outside.
“It does not really matter what the weather is like I actually went outside and played this while it was snowing and lost a few in the snow,” ECU Student, Brock Lasure said.
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As the temperatures begin to rise in Greenville, community members are making the most of the warmer weather by getting outside and enjoying the sunshine. From families taking walks in the park to friends gathering for picnics, the community is coming together to soak up the beautiful spring weather.Local businesses are also seeing an increase in foot traffic as residents venture out to enjoy outdoor dining, shopping, and other activities. Restaurants with outdoor seating are filling up quickly, and parks and green spaces are bustling with people playing sports, walking their dogs, and simply enjoying the fresh air.
With more people getting vaccinated and restrictions easing, there is a sense of optimism in the air as Greenville residents look forward to a summer filled with outdoor events and gatherings. Whether it’s a hike in the mountains, a day at the lake, or simply sitting outside with a good book, the community is taking full advantage of the warmer temperatures and embracing all that Greenville has to offer.
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